Coping during the Coronavirus outbreak

[Sophie_M]

We recognise that many of us here in the community are feeling scared, worried and overwhelmed about Coronavirus (COVID19). 

As a result, we created this thread to allow people to come together here during those difficult times and encouraged those wanting to share or seek support to do so here in this space. 
 
It was important with this thread that we maintained perspective and supported each other as best as we could, medical, scientific and public health experts around the world have and still are working hard to contain the virus and treat those affected. 
 
The Beyond Blue Support Service is available via phone 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat. 
 
There are some other helpful discussions taking place here within our forum community that you may find helpful to read or participate in: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/hi-there-i-only-just-joined-and... 

This thread is now closed for further posting. Users are still able to read through and find support through already existing posts.  

[Guest_1584]

Fantastic news in vic and for most of the country too actually as most states had no new cases today , at least that was at about 2pm.

But tonight by 5 vic has had 2 , which is just incredible but here's the really good part, out of our over 1300 , there's only 117 or so that actually still have the virus right now, out of 6or 7 million , that is just amazing,

So , chin up people wherever you are in oz , this is all really really paying off and saving many many lives too.

rx

[PatienceBay]

Hi Geoff,

It's taken me a while to reply because I wasn't really sure how to.

Any stressful situation can tempt most people to drink more, and I wanted to share with the community my thoughts about that risk during covid-19 restrictions. And also wanted to share my personal plan. ('Be the change you want to see' and all that).

Now, a month later, I'd be lying if I said I've had zero alcohol since the start of restrictions. However, I have been very mindful of the situations in which I drink, and my quantities. Everyone's mental health is a bit fragile right now, so I think we all need to be mindful about alcohol.

Good advice I've heard is 'Don't drink to get happy. Drink only when you are already happy.'

I support anyone who want to drink less, or generally improve their physical or mental health in any form at all 🙂

So as for you and your 4 months, Geoff, I say big congratulations and... Go get em, tiger! 🐅

[PatienceBay]

Caels

You sound resilient to me. Believe in yourself and the wisdom of your past experiences.

Also - you may like this - there are 'positive news only' websites you can visit or sign up for free newsletter.

Sending warm thoughts your way 🙂

[PatienceBay]

Moonstruck,

Thank you for sharing honestly and courageously.

Your feelings and perceptions are 100% valid for you. Nobody else can tell you how to think or feel.

You have the right to keep searching... to find your 'tribe' (people who share your views and places you can exchange ideas in a welcoming environment). That's a path you'll have to travel for yourself. No one can tell you how.

Stay true to you

It's a very precious thing

Sending you so much love and empathy

PatienceBay

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone

Moon, I feel I may be repeating myself. I do understand where you are coming from.

I may look at it from a different perspective.

I don't see that we are treated like criminals but we are in the midst of a pandemic and the restrictions are to stop the disease from spreading.

Sure I don't like not being able to see my grandchild but I understand why and if it helps to keep my partner who is over 70 healthy, I will comply.

These are very difficult times and if we don't want the covid-19 to spread like it has in other countries we need to follow the guidelines.

Sure I can see how the restrictions may affect you personally but they are for the bigger picture and they will go once we get the all clear.

Our leaders and medical experts are new at dealing with this but with 2million worldwide with covid-19 , It shows how serious this is and how we need to follow the restrictions.

To me it is like some people on medication, and they feel great , so they stop taking it because they don't like the idea of taking medication. The point is they feel well because they are taking medication.

Things are flattening the curve because of the restrictions and if they stop too early there maybe a spike in the disease.

Moon, I have always admire the way you speak your mind and can see how you feel and maybe nothing I say will change your mind. That is why we are lucky we have the forum where we can speak our minds and be treated with respect,.

Thanks again for sharing your ideas.

.

[DaffodilDarling]

Hi all,

I'm not usually one to post on these forums (I tend to browse haha!) but really in need of a place to vent and some advice I suppose. How are you folks out there with pre-existing health anxiety managing with all of this? I'm honestly struggling; I've had health anxiety for almost a decade (I'm 22 now) and whilst I am doing all the right things by staying home, social distancing etc etc, I'm really struggling with this anxiety, to the point where my physical health is deteriorating. My throat constantly feels tight, I have chest, shoulder and neck pain. It's very uncomfortable and I know that it's most likely from anxiety (I haven't been anywhere or left the house to have caught Covid19!!) but the more I experience the symptoms the more my anxiety grows, which then exacerbates the symptoms and it's just one big vicious cycle! I don't deal well with changing routines either, so this whole thing has been a shock to the system. I'm very grateful that I have a safe space to stay in and I know that there are so many healthcare and other essential workers doing all they can, but I just can't seem to curb this stress about all the change and the virus.

Any advice would be so appreciated.

Sending out love and compassion to everyone who needs it right now x

[Summer Rose]

Hi Moonstruck

You are not wrong. The way we have surrendered our personal freedoms and choices is disheartening, scary even. But what's the alternative?

Looking at the big picture is what makes it worth it for me. I do not want us to endure the nightmare scenarios currently playing out in the USA, Spain and Italy. And, on a personal level, I do not want to do anything to contribute to the illness or death of another person.

Remembering that our country is succeeding in flattening the curve keeps me motivated. We are saving lives by working together to comply with physical diatancing measures. Our sacrifices have meaning.

Knowing that it will get easier in time gives me hope. The PM spoke today about reviewing the base measures in four weeks. It never rains forever.

We will get our lives back. Hang in there.

Kind thoughts to you

[Speak Your Truth]

Hi SummerRose. I absolutely agree with what you have said about the restrictions and looking ahead. There really is no other option.

In your post to Moonstruck tonight you didn’t say anything, but like an enormous number of people you are probably finding the restrictions really tough. I am too. My emotions are going up and down like a yo-yo. Sometimes I feel ok, other times quite desperate for company (I live alone) and being able to do something as simple as going to a cafe for coffee like used to be “normal”. I have spoken with various people from time to time, but not much and I’m almost starting to feel like I’m forgetting how to have a conversation ! Having said that I did go out today for a walk with my dog and ended up chatting with a lady parked in the car next to me 😂. I needed to talk with someone so much that I said hello to a complete stranger and she was glad of the contact too.

So our PM spoke today about what may be possible in 4 weeks, and so I felt some hope, some light, there too. Yes, we will get our lives back ......

Take care to be safe Summer Rose, Cala

[Elizabeth CP]

I can understand Moonstruck's point of view. I am having frequent feelings of everything being hopeless which are exacerbated by the negative reminders that we've got a long way to go. & the restrictions can't be lifted or we'll be like other countries.

I am happy our leaders closed the borders & put lockdown restrictions because it has stopped the spread which is good for all of us. I also understand we can't just go back to our previous lifestyle while there are cases in Australia.It only takes one case to spread to start an epidemic. I am extremely concerned as my daughter is in the UK and conditions are terrible because they let it go too far before locking down and they are only testing people in hospital & they are people already extremely ill from the virus. At least here we can get treatment before too late.

I need to see some hope of easing restrictions in the near future with proper controls so we can deal with outbreaks. The rules seem to be inconsistent and unclear. I am having trouble finding some items because they are out of stock but am I breaking the law going back to see if they are back in the shop a few days later. Because of the restrictions I can't take my husband to the GP to get his chest checked. We can only use phone calls so he is prescribed asthma medication without being checked. Last time he was sick he was sent to emergency, put in isolation so I couldn't make sure they understood his condition, tested for Covid 19 (test was negative as we expected) & sent home with no treatment for his illness.I'm expected to treat him at home & avoid taking him to hospital according to his specialist. Planned treatments to reduce the risk of life threatening complications are on hold because of the restrictions.

[Summer Rose]

Hi SpeakYourTruth

In answer to your post, yes, I do find the restrictions tough.

My daughter has OCD and the changes to our world are making her symptomatic. My son has deferred his uni studies, and this saddens me. My husband is run off his feet at work (an essential worker) and I worry constantly. I am often feeling lonely. And because of the restrictions all of my usual support networks are gone.

But I get up everyday and keep going, just like all of you. I look to better days ahead. I remind myself how lucky I am to be healthy. There are many people doing it far worse than me.

This forum is really helpful because I know I am not alone. Elizabeth and I share the pain of worrying for ill loved ones. Moon and I grieve our lost freedoms. You and I share the need for human connection.

We are all far more alike than we are different. We are bound by our humanity and we gain strength by helping each other and leaning on each other. I thank you all for being here.

Kind thoughts to you